Did you know that by making some simple changes you could prevent a nasty fall? Falls are a major cause of broken hips and other serious injuries in people 65 and older.

Taking some measures to prevent falls can lower your chances of breaking a bone or otherwise injuring yourself. And that can mean that you can continue to take care of yourself, shop, cook, play golf and do the things you enjoy!

Here's a checklist of to-dos to help make you and your home safer. Don't be shy about asking your family, friends or neighbors to help you.

Home

Clear pathways.

Pick up papers, books, shoes and other clutter. This is especially important from the bedroom to the bathroom because you use these pathways at night when you're groggy.

Move aside any furniture and anything else you have to walk around.

Secure carpets and electrical cords. Loose carpets are a common hazard and cause of falls.

Secure rugs with non-skid backing.

Tape electrical and telephone cords to the wall and out of the way.

Safe-proof stairs. Stairs can be a dangerous fall zone.

Make sure your stairways have easy-to-grip and sturdy railings that run the full length of the stairs.

If possible, install handrails on both sides of the stairs

Have an electrician put switches at the top and the bottom of stairs if you don't already have them.

Lighten up. Do a quick walk through to check lighting during day and night.

Bring in more lighting fixtures or boost lighting with brighter bulbs.

Make sure you have lighting you can reach from your bed.

Plug in nightlights to light up your path from your bedroom to your bathroom.

Have an electrician put switches at the top and the bottom of stairs if you don't already have them.